After the official welcome at the Royal Castle, the next stop for the Indian business delgation was the DNB headquarters in Bjørvika. Innovation Norway organized the business seminar packed with useful information. Preparing the delegates for their future Norway business activities.
Moderator of the business seminar Per Reinboth, in a not to be mistaken Norway-India ambience.
The aim is to boost Indo-Norwegian business
Our Chair Rina Sunder, welcomed the delegates talking about the importance of creating trust trough physical presence. She made clear our chamber’s primary aim is to boost Indo-Norwegian business by facilitating B2B networking seminars. She addressed some of the challenges Indian companies could meet establishing a precense in Norway; high costs of operation, huge cultural differences and issues of work permit delays.
DNB’s Harald Serc-Hanssen gave his analysis on the very positive outlook for Norwegian investments in India.
The trade agreement is down to the last details
Sveinung Røren, Director at Ministry Trade, Industry and fisheries, reassured us the year long negotiations for a EFTA-India trade agreement now is as good as complete, at least seen from the Norwegian side.
Norwegian Visa regulations and the legal framework
Håvard Sæthre from UDI gave the delegates an introduction to visas and work permit rules. For skilled consultants required in Norway up to 90 days, the process is relatively simple. The Norwegian Embassy in Delhi can normally issue Schengen Visas within 7 days. Residence permit is required for stays beyond the mentioned 90 days, which is a more comprehensive processes, also involving the Directorate of immigration.
NICCI member Martin Jetlund entered the stage, addressing legal issues related to setting up a business in Norway. Employee minimum rights and customers concern about the same -was among his most important take-homes for the attentive participants.
Martin was followed by his CEO in Law-firm Schjødt, Paul Bellamy, that forecasted a steep increase in Indian investments and business establishment in Norway the next 5 years.
Incredible Renewables
Marte de Piccioto, Head of Renewables DNV GL introduced us to some “Incredible renewables”. A video demonstrating the future of offshore wind energy being the very most impressive. Energy security is obviously one of the keys for India’s ambitious growth plans. Prime minister Modi’s “zero effect on the environment” promise -truly actualizes the futuristic DNV GL plans.
Invest in Norway
In a time of unilateral “Make in India”, Helge Tryti went against the grain and asked the delegates to “Invest in Norway”. Tryti directed the Indian businessmen to “Invest in Norway“, a cooperation between Innovation Norway, The Research Council of Norway and SIVA (the Industrial Development Corporation of Norway) for assistance to succeed in Norway. His key Norway selling points were: modern and developed, strong economy, a small population and a healthy mix of private and public ownership. I am sure this is good music in the Indian investors ears.
Bilateral Q&A’s
Former head of Innovation Norway in India, NICCI Board member Per Reinboth moderated the program, weaving all of it together in his own authoritarian but humorous way. Due to lack of time, he encouraged the participants to do the Q&A’s bilateral.
Individual sector programs
The following sectorial programs with site visits was offered in the afternoon: Seafood, Oil & Gas, Energy/Renewables, Healthcare and ICT.
Networking
In the evening the business delegates, Norwegian business representatives and the organizers came together for an informal seafood dinner hosted by Innovation Norway. Another so important networking opportunity- that can easily result in new initiatives.
Written by: Trond Skundberg
See our other articles related to the state visit and business delegation